In the spirit of President Barack Obama’s message to Congress that the economy will rebuild and recover local business leaders at an economic summit yesterday stressed that Malibu has the capability to sustain and prosper.
“Business is cyclical – it’s going to get better” said Ron Conlin Pepperdine visiting professor of business. “Often recessions clean up the system. This is a tsunami of a recession but this is part of the economic cycle.”
The Malibu Chamber of Commerce hosted the summit at Pepperdine’s Graziadio Villa to address the future of Malibu and greater Los Angeles and Ventura County. The summit featured five panelists from education arts military and business sectors who offered entrepreneurial solutions to beat housing and employment woes. Local residents and business leaders attended in addition to a handful of students.
Panelists delivered good news to hopeful entrepreneurs stressing that the recession is also a time of opportunity.
“I think it’s an outstanding time to begin a new career Conlin said. It’s a great time to be investing … [And] there are so many more ways to collaborate beyond geographical boundaries.”
Panelists said most students entering the workforce face better prospects than current workers.
“This is a good time!” said Jonathan Fraser Light partner in a Ventura County employment law firm. “You didn’t lose money on your 401-K because you don’t have one.”
Although panelists noted the value of online networking they also reminded students to only post information they want to be available to employers.
“What I think is important for young people to understand is as they’re developing Web presence is that they’re [also] developing a brand of person and career said Josh Addison, founder and president of Bell Arts Factory in Ventura.
Anderson said learning to determine Facebook appropriateness is to develope professional maturity and become a responsible citizen. He urged students, when uploading pictures from a trip to Mammoth, to post images from the ski lift but keep the images from the hot tub on [the] hard drive.”
In a time when most businesses are laying off workers the navy may offer a glimmer of hope according to Commanding Officer Captain Brad Conners. He encouraged students to consider employment and internship opportunities at the Naval Base Ventura County. The navy is recruiting for a number of positions vacated by retiring Baby Boomer engineers and scientists.
The Chamber of Commerce’s goal is to educate business owners and provide forums for the local community said Heidi Bernard president of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce and director of Pepperdine’s Crest Associates. She also said gave an important reminder to anyone in business on where real success lies.
“The core values – dedication determination and integrity – have nothing to do with money said Bernard.
Rebekah Evans, CEO of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce, and Bernard hope to plan more workshops throughout the year at Pepperdine. Bernard said Villa Graziadio is a perfect place to host these seminars.
Students should be able to take advantage of these opportunities.” Bernard said. “Events like this are good places to network.”
These workshops will be free to Pepperdine students faculty and staff. Bernard encourages students to contact the Chamber of Commerce for more opportunities.
Graham Picard contributed to this report.